More Than Oogie Boogie

This is a tribute story to Kenneth "Ken" Page.

Most know him as the voice of the scary gambling Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton's Nightmare Bef0re Christmas however Page was more than the voice of the Oogie Boogie Man, he was a Broadway star starring in Broadway musicals like Cats, The Wiz, and Ain't Misbehavin. Since Halloween is around the corner, his character Oogie Boogie is most populous character even on Halloween plus in Disney merch and it has been four weeks since Ken's passing and his death hasn't made much press since other Broadway stars Gavin Creel and James Earl Jones has also passed away this year.

Kenneth Page was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He was raised Catholic by his mother, Gloria, and his step-father, Garvin Gilstrap. He attended St. Bridget of Erin and St. Nicholas elementary schools. While attending St. Nicholas, he was inspired by a teacher and an older cousin to pursue theatre. Page began his career in the chorus of the Muny outdoor theater in St. Louis. Page debuted on Broadway as the Lion in The Wiz.

He played Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the all-black revival of Guys and Dolls. He was featured in the original cast of the Fats Waller musical revue, Ain't Misbehavin. Page received a Theatre World Award for his role in Ain't Misbehsvin and a Drama Desk award for Guys and Dolls. In 1982, Page played Old Deuteronomy in Cats, returning to the part in the 1998 video release. He also played God twice, in Randy Newman's Faust at La Jolla Playhouse and Goodman Theatre and Stephen Schwartz's Children of Eden.

He did the voice of Oogie Boogie in Nightmare in 1993. The film was a hit and praised the cast of characters, songs, and the stop animation direction making it an all time classic.

Besides The Nightmare Before Christmas, Page's major film credits included All Dogs Go to Heaven, Polly, and Torch Song Trilogy, as well as Dreamgirls. His TV credits included guest roles on shows such as Family Matters, Charmed and Touched by an Angel. In his later years, Mr. Page developed a cabaret show, titled Page by Page, which he toured across the country. Page returned to his hometown in St. Louis to perform at the Muny Theatre more than 35 different productions. Other than acting at the Muny, Page also directed other stage productions and made appearances in Disney Halloween events or Nightmare Before Christmas to reprise as the Oogie Boogie and meeting, greeting fans of the film, and singing the Oogie Boogie song.

He was performing Les Miserables at the Muny Theatre which would be his final performance. On September 30, 2024, Page died in his sleep at his hometown.

His longtime friend, Polly co-star, and producer Dorian Hannaway confirmed the heartbreaking news. The Wiz former star Stephanie Mills went on the Breakfast Club after she was invited to kiss Deon Cole and talked about Ken Page.

She posted a photo on Instagram with Ken Page which would be the last time she had seen Ken alive calling him "my lion".

Nightmare Before Christmas Composer and singing voice of Jack Skeleton Danny Elfman pays tribute to Page:

"No matter who was in the cast or crew, though. Page was a constant beacon of light. One thing, Elfman specifically recalled, was how Page would give him a big hug each time before he’d go out on stage. Every time we were doing the show and in all of our rehearsal time together, when Ken was there, everybody was all smiles. Even if it was an intense rehearsal, [when he arrived] we were all like, ‘Oh, my God, Ken's here!’ and automatically everything just lightened up … It's I can't even put into words. He's really missed.”

Elfman also said,

“I can only tell you that every rehearsal he attended and every time he walked down on stage he just lit up the stage. He was a person I could always depend on to be there. He loved doing it and he loved the crowd’s reaction to having him there. He was just full of warmth and a light. He’s missed so much. I can't even tell you.”

Even though Ken Page was known as the incredible haunting voice of Oogie Boogie, he was more than the Oogie. He was the true voice of a Broadway legend and thrilling voice. I was hoping to meet him one day once I adapted Polly to a stage musical but all I can say Page even though it is too soon you will be truly missed.

Rest in Peace Ken